instrument panel Acura TSX 2012 Owner's Guide

uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluLight Switches
106Controls
Automatic lighting control can be used when
the ignition switch is in ON
(w
.
When you turn the light switch to AUTO, the
headlights and other exterior lights will switch
on and off automatically depending on the
ambient brightness.
uYou can change the auto light sensitivity
setting.
2Customized Features P. 80
■
Automatic lighting off feature
The headlights, all other exterior lights, and the instrument panel lights turn off
within 15 seconds after you remove the key and close the driver’s door.
uYou can change the headlight auto off timer setting.
2Customized Features P. 80
If you turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0
with the headlight switch on, but do not
open the door, the lights turn off after 10 minutes (3 minutes, if the switch is in the
AUTO position).
The lights turn on again when you unlock or open the driver’s door. If you unlock
the door, but do not open it within 15 seconds, the lights go off. If you open the
driver’s door, you will hear a lights on reminder chime.
■
Automatic Operation (automatic lighting control)
1Automatic Operation (automatic lighting control)
We recommend that you turn on the lights manually
when driving at night, in a dense fog, or in dark areas
such as long tunnels or parking facilities.
The light sensor is in the location shown below.
Do not cover this light sensor with anything;
otherwise, the automatic lighting system may not
work properly.
Adjust the auto light sensitivity as follows:
2Customized Features P. 80
Light Sensor
Setting
Sensor Sensitivity
Ambient Light at
More Sensitive
Less SensitiveBright
Dark
MAXMINMIDHIGHLOW

107
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluFog Lights
Controls
Fog Lights
When the low beam headlights are on, turn
the fog light switch on to use the fog lights.
Daytime Running LightsThe high beam headlights come on slightly dimmer than normal when the following
conditions have been met:
•The ignition switch is in ON
(w
.
•The headlight switch is off, or in .
•The parking brake is released.
The lights remain on even if you set the parking brake. Turning off the ignition
switch will turn off the daytime running lights.
The high beam headlights return to the original brightness once the headlight
switch is turned on.
1Fog Lights
When the fog lights are on, the indicator in the
instrument panel will be on.
They go off when the headlights turn off, or when
the daytime running lights are on.
2Indicators P. 64
Fog Light Switch

109
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluBrightness Control
Controls
Brightness Control
When the parking lights are turned on and the
ignition switch is in ON
(w
, you can use the
brightness control knob to adjust instrument
panel brightness.
Brighten: Turn the knob to the right.
Dim: Turn the knob to the left.
You will hear the beeper when the brightness
reaches minimum or maximum. The multi-
information display will return to its original
state several seconds after you adjust the
brightness.
■
Brightness level indicator
The brightness level is shown on the multi-
information display while you are adjusting it.
As the brightness level increases to the right,
the instrument panel gets brighter.
1Brightness Control
Instrument panel brightness varies, depending on
whether the exterior lights are on or off. The
instrument panel dims to reduce glare when they are
on.
Pressing either (information) button
switches the display.
If you turn the knob to the right until the brightness
display is up to max, the beeper sounds. This cancels
the reduced instrument panel brightness when the
parking lights are on.
The brightness can be set differently for when the
exterior lights are on, and when they are off.
Control Knob

113
uuOperating the Switches Around the Steering WheeluAdjusting the Steering Wheel
Controls
Adjusting the Steering WheelThe steering wheel height and distance from your body can be adjusted so that you
can comfortably grip the steering wheel in an appropriate driving posture.
1.Pull the steering wheel adjustment lever up.
uThe steering wheel adjustment lever is
under the steering column.
2.Move the steering wheel up or down, and
in or out.
uMake sure you can see the instrument
panel gauges and indicators.
3.Push the steering wheel adjustment lever
down to lock the steering wheel in position.
uAfter adjusting the position, make sure
you have securely locked the steering
wheel in place by trying to move it up,
down, in, and out.
1Adjusting the Steering Wheel
Make any steering wheel adjustments before you
start driving.
3
WARNING
Adjusting the steering wheel position while
driving may cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and be seriously injured in a crash.
Adjust the steering wheel only when the
vehicle is stopped.
To adjustTo lock
Lever

184
uuBefore DrivinguDriving Preparation
Driving
•Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the
seats.
uThey can interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, the operation
of the seats, or the operation of the sensors under the seats.
•Everyone in the vehicle must fasten their seat belt.
2Fastening a Seat Belt P. 29
•Make sure that the indicators in the instrument panel come on when you start the
vehicle, and go off soon after.
uAlways have a dealer check the vehicle if a problem is indicated.
2Indicators P. 64

201
uuWhen DrivinguCruise Control
Continued
Driving
Cruise ControlMaintains a constant vehicle speed without having to keep your foot on the
accelerator. Use cruise control on freeways or open roads where you can travel at a
constant speed with little acceleration or deceleration.
1Cruise Control
It may not be possible to maintain a constant speed
when driving uphill or downhill.
3
WARNING
Improper use of the cruise control can lead
to a crash.
Use the cruise control only when traveling
on open highways in good weather.
■
Shift positions for cruise control:
In
(D
or
(S
, in 2nd gear or
higher When to use
Always keep sufficient distance
between you and the vehicle in
front of you.
Automatic transmission models■
Vehicle speed for cruise control:
Desired speed in a range above
roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) ~
How to use
CRUISE MAIN is on in the
instrument panel.
Cruise control is ready to use.
■
Press the
CRUISE
button on
the steering wheel.

215
Continued
Driving
RefuelingFuel Information■
Fuel recommendation
Use of lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noise in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance.
Use of gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.
Your vehicle is designed to operate on premium unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane of 91 or higher.
If this octane grade is unavailable, regular unleaded gasoline with a pump octane of
87 or higher may be used temporally.
The use of regular unleaded gasoline can cause metallic knocking noises in the
engine and will result in decreased engine performance. The long-term use of
regular-grade gasoline can lead to engine damage.
■
Top tier detergent gasoline
Because the level of detergency and additives in gasoline vary in the market, Acura
endorses the use of “TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” where available to help
maintain the performance and reliability of your vehicle. TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline meets a new gasoline standard jointly established by leading automotive
manufacturers to meet the needs of today’s advanced engines.
Qualifying gasoline retailers will, in most cases, identify their gasoline as having met
“TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline” standards at the retail location. This fuel is
guaranteed to contain the proper level of detergent additives and be free of metallic
additives. The proper level of detergent additives, and absence of harmful metallic
additives in gasoline, help avoid build-up of deposits in your engine and emission
control system.Unleaded premium gasoline, pump octane number 91 or higher
1Fuel Information
NOTICEWe recommend quality gasoline containing
detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and
engine deposits. In addition, in order to maintain
good performance, fuel economy, and emissions
control, we strongly recommend, the use of gasoline
that does NOT contain harmful manganese-based
fuel additives such as MMT, if such gasoline is
available.
Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely
affect performance, and cause the malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on.
If this happens, contact a dealer for service.
4-cylinder models6-cylinder models

318Index
Foot Brake ............................................... 211
Indicator ............................................ 64, 292
Parking Brake .......................................... 210
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel).... 109
Bulb Replacement..................................... 247
Back-Up Lights......................................... 254
Brake Light, Taillight, Rear Turn Signal
Light and Rear Side Marker Lights .......... 253
Fog Lights ................................................ 251
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker
Lights..................................................... 252
Headlights ............................................... 247
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 256
Rear License Plate Light............................ 255
Side Turn Signal/Emergency Indicator
Lights..................................................... 253
Bulb Specifications............................ 304, 306
CCarbon Monoxide Gas................................ 60
Cargo Hooks.............................................. 130
Carrying Cargo.................................. 183, 185
CD Player................................................... 147
Certification Label.................................... 308
Changing Bulbs......................................... 247
Charging System Indicator................. 65, 290
Child Safety................................................. 48
Childproof Door Locks ............................... 94
Emergency Trunk Opener .......................... 97Child Seat.................................................... 48
Booster Seats ............................................ 59
Child Seat for Infants................................. 50
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 51
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder
Seat Belt .................................................. 55
Larger Children ......................................... 58
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 50
Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 52
Using a Tether ........................................... 57
Childproof Door Locks............................... 94
Cleaning the Exterior............................... 273
Cleaning the Interior................................ 271
Client Service Information....................... 316
Climate Control System............................ 133
Changing the Mode ................................ 133
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ............................................... 134
Dust and Pollen Filter............................... 270
Recirculation and Fresh Air Mode ............ 133
Sensors ................................................... 136
Synchronized Mode................................. 135
Using Automatic Climate Control ............ 133
Clock............................................................ 88
Clutch Fluid............................................... 245
Coat Hook................................................. 130
Compact Spare Tire.................. 277, 305, 307
Compass.................................................... 179
Console Compartment............................. 127
Controls....................................................... 87Coolant (Engine)...................................... 240
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 241
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 240
Overheating ............................................ 288
Temperature Gauge .................................. 75
Creeping (Automatic Transmission)........ 194
Cruise Control.......................................... 201
Indicator ................................................... 71
Cup Holders.............................................. 128
Customized Features................................. 80
DDaytime Running Lights.......................... 107
Dead Battery............................................ 284
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows................................................. 134
Detachable Shelf...................................... 126
Devices that Emit Radio Waves............... 309
Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 105
Rear View Mirror..................................... 114
Dipstick (Engine Oil)................................ 235
Directional Signals (Turn Signal)............. 105
Door Mirrors............................................. 114
Doors.......................................................... 89
Auto Door Lock ........................................ 94
Auto Door Unlock ..................................... 94
Door and Trunk Open Indicator ........... 25, 68
Keys.......................................................... 89

320Index
Refueling ................................................. 215
Gauges......................................................... 75
Gear Shift Lever Positions
Automatic Transmission ........................... 195
Manual Transmission ............................... 199
Glass (care)................................................ 274
Glove Box.................................................. 126
HHalogen Bulbs................................... 247, 251
Handling the Unexpected........................ 275
HandsFreeLink® (HFL)............................... 167
Change Language ................................... 178
Help Features........................................... 168
Information Display.................................. 168
Making a Call .......................................... 173
Menus ..................................................... 169
Muting a Call........................................... 174
Phone Setup ............................................ 171
Phonebook .............................................. 175
Receiving a Call ....................................... 174
Sending Numbers or Names During a
Call ........................................................ 174
Transferring a Call ................................... 174
Hazard Warning Button............................... 2
Head Restraints......................................... 118
Headlights................................................. 105
Aiming .................................................... 247
Automatic Operation ............................... 106
Dimming ......................................... 105, 107Operating................................................ 105
Heated Door Mirrors................................ 110
Heaters (Seat)........................................... 132
High-Beam Indicator.................................. 69
HomeLink® Universal Transceiver............ 165
IIdentification Numbers............................ 308
Engine and Transmission ......................... 308
Vehicle Identification ............................... 308
Ignition Switch......................................... 104
Illumination Control................................. 109
Knob ....................................................... 109
Immobilizer System.................................... 98
Indicator.................................................... 70
Indicators.................................................... 64
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)..................... 66
Charging System ............................... 65, 290
CRUISE CONTROL ............................. 71, 202
CRUISE MAIN .................................... 71, 201
Door and Trunk Open ......................... 25, 68
EPS (Electric Power Steering System) .. 68, 292
Fog Light ................................................... 70
High-Beam ................................................ 69
Immobilizer System ................................... 70
Lights On .................................................. 69
Low Fuel ................................................... 66
Low Oil Pressure ................................ 64, 290
Low Tire Pressure/TPMS ............. 68, 206, 208
Maintenance Minder ............................... 225Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 65, 291
Parking Brake and Brake System ............... 64
Seat Belt Reminder.............................. 27, 66
Security System Alarm............................... 71
Side Airbag Off ................................... 46, 70
Supplemental Restraint System ........... 44, 67
System Message ....................................... 69
Transmission ............................................. 65
Turn Signal ............................................... 69
VSA® (Vehicle Stability Assist)
System ............................................ 67, 204
VSA® OFF .......................................... 67, 205
Information.............................................. 303
Information Buttons.................................. 76
Instant Fuel Economy................................ 78
Instrument Panel........................................ 63
Brightness Control .................................. 109
Interior Lights........................................... 125
Interior Rearview Mirror......................... 114
JJack (Wheel Nut Wrench)........................ 280
Jump Starting........................................... 284KKey Number Tag........................................ 90
Keyless Lockout Prevention....................... 92
Keys............................................................. 89
Lockout Prevention ................................... 92

323
Index
Spare Tire................................. 277, 305, 307
Spark Plugs....................................... 304, 306
Specifications........................................... 304
Specified Fuel........................... 215, 304, 306
Speedometer.............................................. 75
SRS Airbags (Airbags)................................ 36
Starting the Engine.................................. 191
Does Not Start ........................................ 283
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 104
Jump Starting ......................................... 284
Steering Wheel........................................ 113
Adjusting ................................................ 113
Stopping................................................... 214
Sunglasses Holder.................................... 131
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)....... 36
Switches (Around the Steering
Wheel)............................................ 2, 3, 104
SYNC Mode.............................................. 135
System Message Indicator......................... 69TTachometer................................................ 75
Temperature.............................................. 78
Gauge ........................................................ 8
Outside Temperature Display .................... 78
Temperature Sensor................................ 136
Time (Setting)............................................. 88
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS)..................................................... 206
Indicator ........................................... 68, 293Tires........................................................... 259
Air Pressure ............................. 260, 305, 307
Checking and Maintaining ....................... 259
Inspection ................................................ 259
Labeling .................................................. 260
Puncture (Flat Tire) ................................... 277
Regulations ............................................. 262
Rotation .................................................. 266
Spare Tire ................................ 277, 305, 307
Tire Chains .............................................. 267
Wear Indicators ....................................... 264
Winter ..................................................... 267
Tools.......................................................... 276
Towing a Trailer....................................... 187
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 188
Load Limits .............................................. 187
Towing Your Vehicle................................ 190
Emergency .............................................. 299
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System).................................................... 206
Indicator ............................................ 68, 293
Transmission..................................... 195, 199
Automatic ............................................... 195
Fluid ................................................ 242, 243
Manual .................................................... 199
Number ................................................... 308
Sequential Shift Mode ............................. 197
Shift Position Indicator ....................... 13, 196
Trip Meter................................................... 77
Trip/Reset Switch........................................ 77Troubleshooting....................................... 275
Blown Fuse.............................................. 294
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 17
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door.......... 18
Emergency Towing .................................. 299
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 283
Noise When Braking .................................. 18
Overheating ............................................ 288
Premium Gasoline ................... 215, 304, 306
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 277
Rear Door Won’t Open........................ 17, 94
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 287
Warning Indicators .................................... 64
Trunk........................................................... 95
Lid............................................................. 95
Light Bulb........................................ 304, 306
Main Switch .............................................. 97
Unable to Open....................................... 300
Turn Signals.............................................. 105
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 69
UUnlocking the Doors.................................. 91
USB Adapter Cable........................... 138, 139
USB Flash Drives....................................... 164VValet Key..................................................... 90
Vanity Mirrors............................................... 5